Crocodiles have a reputation for being a little snappy when it comes to food but these reptiles found this leopard tortoise was a particularly tough nut to crack.

The crocodile kept the tortoise in its jaws while other crocodiles gathered around itCredit:
Lisl Moolman/Caters

The ravenous animals were captured fighting over the unfortunate prey at the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Part-time photographer Lisl Moolman was on holiday with her family when she captured these extraordinary images of the crocodiles playing with their food.

The ravenous animals were captured fighting over the unfortunate prey at the Kruger National Park in South AfricaCredit:
Lisl Moolman/Caters

She revealed how the unfortunate leopard tortoise was flung into the air like a football before being swallowed whole, according to Caters News Agency.

“I was sitting at the dam, sightseeing and watching animals as they came to drink,” she explained.

“As is the norm, crocodiles sunbathe at this dam. Everything was quiet and tranquil, until another visitor attracted my attention showing me that a crocodile just caught a leopard tortoise and was moving into the water at great speed.

“I saw a crocodile at the water’s edge moving into the water with high speed, a leopard tortoise clamped tightly between its jaws.”